TheNewsGuru

Tag: Euro 2024

  • Euro 2024: France to slug it out with Spain for a place in the final today

    Euro 2024: France to slug it out with Spain for a place in the final today

    Spain versus France, two football heavyweights will clash tonight in a  mouth-watering semifinal clash between both the current and pre-tournament favourites.

    The talismanic Kylian Mbappe will lead the line for the French, while promising young winger Lamine Yamal is also catching the eye. However, France’s form has faltered, despite expectations that they would dominate the competition.

    Despite reaching the final of the last two World Cups—winning in Russia in 2018 and narrowly losing on penalties to Argentina in Qatar in 2022—France’s Euros record under coach Didier Deschamps is less impressive. In his 12 years, their best result was a runner-up spot in 2016 on home soil.

     

    In the quarterfinals, France edged past Portugal on penalties, with Mbappe being substituted after spending more time adjusting his mask than threatening the opposition goal.

     

    Mbappe’s form, after sustaining a broken nose in France’s opener, and the form of forward Antoine Griezmann remain significant question marks ahead of the clash with Spain, who knocked out hosts Germany with a goal in extra time.

    “I don’t give a damn [about the critics],” midfielder Youssouf Fofana told a press conference on Sunday. “We are semifinalists. Questions about the level of Antoine and Kylian? We have to realize that being in the semifinals is enough. So I don’t see why we would nitpick.”

    The second semi – final will see England do battle with Netherlands on Wednesday

  • Why Portugal were eliminated from Euro 2024 – Mourinho

    Why Portugal were eliminated from Euro 2024 – Mourinho

    Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, has spoken for the first time since Portugal were eliminated from Euro 2024.

    Mourinho had picked his country as one of the favourites to win the competition.

    Roberto Martinez’s men finished top of Group F and saw off Slovenia on penalties in the last 16.

    However, they were eliminated by France in the quarter final after another shoot-out.

    Mourinho admits that Portugal’s 2-1 defeat to Croatia in the build up to the Euros raised alarm bells.

    “Portugal wasn’t fantastic, despite reaching the quarter-finals. We expected more. I was at the National Stadium for the Portugal-Croatia match and it didn’t smell good. I didn’t get a great feeling.

    “During the tournament we were the team that was making progress, but we weren’t convincing.

    “Often, when the moment of truth comes, these teams are stronger. This wasn’t the end of Portugal, there wasn’t any improvement in the team.

    “But it’s a young team, apart from the two veterans [Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe], a team with years ahead of them. The World Cup is just around the corner,” Mourinho told Sport TV.

  • Euro 2024: Football expert, Paul Merson predicts semi-final matches

    Euro 2024: Football expert, Paul Merson predicts semi-final matches

    Former England player, Paul Merson, has predicted the outcome of the semifinal matches coming up this weekend.

    Former Three Lions of England player and football pundit Paul Merson, has predicted the outcome of the semifinal matches coming up on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    The Three Lions of England will slug it out with Netherlands while Spain would tackle France in the semifinals of the Euro 2024 championship in Germany.

    The Netherlands defeated Turkey 2-1 while England beat Switzerland 5-3 on penalties.

    The game between France and Portugal ended in a penalty shootout in which Didier Deschamps’ men ran away with victory while Spain beat the host nation 2-1 in extra time to progress to the last four.

    ”Merson believes England did not play anywhere close to their best football against Switzerland.

    “Spain has been playing very well on occasions, but I’m still going with France. I don’t see Lamine Yamal getting a kick against Theo Hernandez, while Jules Kounde is more than capable of keeping Nico Williams out of the game.

    “Alvaro Morata hasn’t had a good tournament and isn’t going to get a kick against William Saliba in a month full of Sundays!

    France was solid at the back but they haven’t been able to score as freely as they’d have liked.

    “If it becomes an open game, Spain will dictate proceedings in midfield and come out on top. Deschamps won’t let that happen, so I back France to come out on top…Prediction: Spain 0-1 France.”

    For England’s game against Switzerland, he added, “I can’t see anything but an England win, I honestly can’t.”

  • Euro 2024: Dutch fans to dominate semi-final clash with England

    Euro 2024: Dutch fans to dominate semi-final clash with England

    Netherlands have been given an early advantage as they prepare for a Euro 2024 semi final with England.

    The last four is set for this week, with the winner of that clash playing either Spain or France.

    Now it appears, according to The Times, that Netherlands will get half of the ticket allocation for Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion.

    The stadium’s famous south stand, where Dortmund fans create a “yellow wall,” will have Netherlands supporters.

    England fans will have their chances to claim tickets, but they will be in all different sections of the ground.

    As a result, the Dutch may have a chance to create a fantastic atmosphere at the game.

  • Euro 2024: Gareth Southgate frustrated with team leaks

    Euro 2024: Gareth Southgate frustrated with team leaks

    England coach Gareth Southgate admits he has concerns about team leaks.

    Ahead of their Euros semifinal against Holland, Southgate concedes there is an issue about his planning reaching the press.

    “We do a lot of things. As I said, we’ve won three out of four and a lot of our processes have been shared,” Southgate said after England advanced to the semi-final.

    “Our tactical plan for the game was also shared three days before.

    “We live in an amazing world where it’s so difficult for us because any element of surprise you might have with the opponent is gone three days before. It’s quite incredible really.”

  • Euro 2024: Injured Pedri responds to Kroos’ plea for forgiveness

    Euro 2024: Injured Pedri responds to Kroos’ plea for forgiveness

    Injured FC Barcelona and Spain’s midfield maestro, Pedro González López, commonly known as Pedri, has responded to the plea for forgiveness by Real Madrid legend, Toni Kroos.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Kross unusually crashed into Pedri in the opening minutes of the last eight meeting of the 2024 Euro between Germany and Spain.

    The crash sent Pedri flying into the air and landing awkwardly on his left knee. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) later told Mundo Deportivo that Pedri suffered an internal ligament sprain.

    After spending some time writhing in pain, the 21-year-old returned to his feet and walked off the Stuttgart pitch holding back tears.

    Kroos apologized to Pedri, tagging him in an Instagram post on Saturday.

    “In this way, it is very important to me: Forgiveness and get well soon to @pedri! Logically, it wasn’t my intention to hurt you. A quick recovery and all the best. You’re a great player,” a translation of Kroos’ post reads.

    Responding, Pedri wrote: “I came to Germany for #Euro2024 and I will continue here, until the end. Because the dream, do not doubt it, continues.

    “This week it’s time to encourage and contribute in another way to this great family that is @sefutbol. Their support and that of all of you is being incredible. The hardest moment has passed and the road back is now beginning, to soon be at full strength with @fcbarcelona

    “Thank you @toni.kr8s for your message. This is football and these things happen. Your career and your record remain forever. I just want to say one more thing. LET’S GO SPAIN!”

    TNG reports injured Pedri was replaced by goalscorer Dani Olmo, and though Florian Wirtz levelled in the 89th minute, a 119th minute extra time header from Mikel Merino put La Roja through to the semifinals.

    On Tuesday, Spain will meet Kylian Mbappe’s France in the Euro 2024 semifinals.

  • Euro 2024: Semi-final fixtures, date released

    Euro 2024: Semi-final fixtures, date released

    All last four teams at the ongoing Euro 2024 have been confirmed.

    This is following the completion of the quarter-final fixtures on Saturday night.

    According to the fixtures, England will face the Netherlands in the second semi-final on Wednesday in Munich.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that England defeated Switzerland 5-4 on penalties after playing out 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time

    The Dutch came from behind to defeat Turkey 2-1 in the second quarter-final.

    Meanwhile, Spain will slug it out with France in the first semi-final clash.

    La Roja defeated Germany by 2-1 while the Les Bleus of France saw off Portugal s-4  via penalty shoot-outs.

    The semi-final games will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

  • Euro 2024: Three players jostle for top scorer’s award

    Euro 2024: Three players jostle for top scorer’s award

    Georges Mikautadze of Georgia currently tops the top scorer’s chart alongside two other players at the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.

    Other players on same number of goals at the moment are Jamal Musiala (Germany), Ivan Schranz (Slovakia) and Cody Gakpo (Netherlands).

    On two goals each are Kai Havertz and Niclas Fullkrug of Germany, just like Jude Bellingham (England), Fabian Ruiz (Spain) and Harry Kane (England).

    However, Mikautadze, Musiala and Schranz leaving only Gakpo in pole position to clinch it if he scores more goals or provides assists.

    See Full List

    Georges Mikautadze | Georgia | 3 goals

    Jamal Musiala | Germany | 3 goals

    Ivan Schranz | Slovakia | 3 goals

    Cody Gakpo | Netherlands | 3 goals

    Kai Havertz | Germany | 2 goals

    Niclas Fullkrug | Germany | 2 goals

    Jude Bellingham | England | 2 goals

    Fabian Ruiz | Spain | 2 goals

  • Euro 2024: Netherlands set up England semi -final clash, beat Turkey 2-1

    Euro 2024: Netherlands set up England semi -final clash, beat Turkey 2-1

    The Netherlands overcame a deficit to defeat Turkey, securing a spot in the Euro 2024 semi-finals against England.

    An own goal by Mert Muldur, who accidentally bundled the ball over his own goal line under pressure from Cody Gakpo, allowed the Dutch to equalize after trailing at halftime.

    Turkey initially took the lead when centre-back Samet Akaydin headed in Arda Guler’s precise cross, capping off an impressive first-half performance. Akaydin celebrated by running to the Turkey fans, kissing his shirt’s badge, and kneeling in prayer, while the substitutes sprinted down the touchline to join him.

    However, the celebrations were short-lived as the Netherlands, despite a poor first half, responded strongly after the break. Substitute Wout Weghorst played a key role, making a crucial interception in his own box to deny Turkey’s Kaan Ayhan a chance at a rebound. Soon after, Stefan de Vrij headed in the equalizer.

    Turkey nearly doubled their lead when Arda Guler’s brilliant free-kick hit the post, but they failed to capitalize on their opportunities.

    As a result, Ronald Koeman’s team will face England in Dortmund on Wednesday (20:00 BST), after Gareth Southgate’s side advanced by beating Switzerland on penalties. The winner will advance to the final to face either France or Spain.

  • Euro 2024: England beat Switzerland 5-4 on Penalties to reach last four

    Euro 2024: England beat Switzerland 5-4 on Penalties to reach last four

    The Three Lions of England on Saturday evening cruised into the semi-final of the ongoing Euro 2024 after defeating Switzerland 5-4 in Penalties.

    Both teams played goalless in the first half and only managed to score two dying minutes goals apiece to extend the game to extra time.

    Switzerland forward Embolo put the Swiss ahead inside 73rd minutes but England coach Southgate quickly made changes and it paid off .

    Bukayo Saka powered home a low drive that beat goalkeeper Sommes for an equalizer.

    All efforts by both teams to score in extra time proved abortive.

    England converted all their spot  kicks but Akanji  missed his spot kick to give the English an advantage.

    The results meant England have scaled through to the semi-finals of the tournament  for the second consecutive time.

    They will be playing either Netherlands or Turkey for a space in the final next week Wednesday.